Research Carrels: Home

Carrels provide quiet space within the Anderson Academic Commons for advanced research. Shared research carrels are available in Room 301, along with lockers for storage. This guide explains how to reserve a research carrel.

Introduction

Carrels provide quiet space within the Anderson Academic Commons for advanced research. Shared research carrels are available in AAC 301, along with lockers for storage. Access to the research carrels room is controlled via swipe card access and is only available to students who have a reserved carrel for the quarter. Because of the limited number of carrels available, an application process has been developed to provide this resource to those researchers who have the greatest need.

Application Process

Winter Quarter Carrel Applications are now closed due to high numbers. Please check back in March 2015 for Spring Quarter applications.

University of Denver students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply for a shared research carrel:

An application should be accompanied by an email from a faculty advisor confirming that the student is working on a research project during the quarter he/she has applied for a carrel. Please ask your faculty advisor to send a brief email confirming your status and research project to carrels-l@du.edu.

To allow for the most equitable use of the shared carrels, they will be assigned one quarter at a time. Students may apply for a carrel each quarter as needed. The carrel reservation period begins on the first day of each quarter and continues through the following interterm.

Carrels will be shared between two researchers. In addition to a carrel, students will also be assigned a locker for individual use. Students will be given the contact information for the person who has also been assigned their carrel. It is up to each student to determine an appropriate schedule for use.

Shared carrels are assigned based on the criteria listed above. The University Libraries will make every effort to accommodate researcher needs, but high demand may not allow us to assign a carrel to every applicant each quarter. If you are assigned a carrel, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to choose your carrel and locker.

Library Materials

Library materials may be kept in carrels or in individual lockers. All materials must be checked out. Library staff monitor carrels and lockers; possession of unchecked-out library materials may result in confiscation of materials and loss of privileges. All library materials and personal property must be removed from the carrel and locker at the conclusion of the reservation term.

Furniture and Maintenance

Carrels are furnished with a chair, desk, shelves, and wastebasket. Library furniture from other areas of the building may not be moved into the carrel room. Heaters, heating elements, and microwaves are not allowed in carrels. Food and beverages are permitted in the carrels, but care should be taken so as not to damage library materials. Carrels may not be used for purposes other than active research. Students are responsible for keeping their carrel area clean.

Security

The Research Carrels room is only accessible via card swipe to those who have a reserved carrel for the quarter. Personal materials, such as laptops, cell phones, and iPads, should be kept in individual lockers and not left out on the study carrels. University of Denver Libraries assumes no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal possessions kept in carrels or lockers.